Cognition is a general term describing the mental capacities of an animal, and often includes the ability to categorize, remember, and communicate about objects in the environment. Numerous regions of the telencephalon (cerebral cortex and limbic system) are responsible for these cognitive functions. Although many researchers have used traditional laboratory animals such as rodents and pigeons in the study of animal cognition, an increasing number of studies focus on species such as non-human primates, dolphins, and domestic dogs ("Canis familiaris"). Such studies can provide insight into the evolution of cognitive processes in humans. In this article, the authors describe a laboratory exercise that they have used with college students, although the exercise would be equally effective at the middle- or high-school levels. The primary objective of this exercise is to use an animal familiar to all students, the domestic dog, to examine the phenomena of object permanence and social cueing. More specifically, the approach described here will teach students about the importance of careful experimental design and the interpretation of data. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)